Trump Sets Nov. 15 Start for East Potomac Golf Redevelopment

President Donald Trump said East Potomac Golf Links in Washington will close on Nov. 15 for a redevelopment expected to last about 15 months, as a lawsuit over work at the public golf course continues in federal court. Trump said the redesigned course would reopen to the public, but the announcement does not establish that the project has received final agency approval. In social media posts on Oct. 18, Trump said the Interior Department and golf course architect Tom Fazio had developed a design for a championship-level course. He said it could host major competitions, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, as well as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. No tournament commitments were announced. Trump also said the project would create jobs and economic activity, but did not provide a cost. Trump described the existing course as deteriorated and unsafe, citing dangerous trees, overgrowth and a hazardous seawall. Those assessments were his own. Preservation groups and other plaintiffs oppose the redevelopment, arguing that the public site should be protected. The litigation includes claims that federal environmental review requirements were not met. The announcement comes...